Title
Resolution to Accept Fiscal Year 2019 Grant Funding for the Virginia Drug Treatment Court Grant Program Awarded by the Virginia Supreme Court, Office of the Executive Secretary to Continue the Hampton Drug Treatment Court Program for the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
The purpose of this resolution is to accept State grant funds to permit the continuance of the Hampton Drug Treatment Court Program for the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia.
Discussion:
Due to an overwhelming demand to provide an alternative to traditional court processing of felony nonviolent drug-addicted offenders, the Hampton Drug Treatment Court Program (the "Drug Court Program") was developed and implemented in February 2003. The first participants were enrolled in June 2003 and the program has been very successful and widely accepted by the Hampton community. Through community collaboration, this program has become a successful joint venture.
The City contracts with the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board to provide substance abuse education, treatment, case management services, and community supervision through the operation of the Drug Court Program. The mission of the Drug Court Program is to reduce crime and recidivism by eliminating substance abuse. The community benefits greatly from the services provided by that program.
In Fiscal Year 2018, the Drug Court Program treated 39 individuals. It has a higher than average retention rate. The Drug Court Program achieves this by offering: 1) substance abuse treatment services ranging from 4-20 hours per week; 2) life skills education; 3) case management; and 4) gender specific treatment. In addition, through collaborative partnership with other agencies, participants receive: 1) mental health treatment and/or medication management; 2) free or reduced healthcare; 3) GED education or tuition payments for technical school or college; 4) employment placement; and 5) rental assistance for independent housing. Other benefits to the community include the birth of drug-free babies, as well as financial savings to jails, community corrections, and courts, as a result of reduced crime and recidivism.
The Drug Court Program is funded primarily through this annually-awarded grant from the Supreme Court of Virginia. The annual funding amount varies based on the yearly program census; the current award of $160,000 is $5,000 less than the amount awarded for Fiscal Year 2018 (see Hampton City Council File No. 17-0264; Resolution adopted August 9, 2017). The City provides in-kind support through building space at the City's Human Services Building. In addition, through the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2019 Budget, a total sum of $319,500 was appropriated, including a $154,500 local match with $60,000 of that amount specifically designated to support the Veterans Court, a court which provides an alternative to jail time to address certain special needs of veterans. This total sum included the estimated $165,000 grant funding that had been awarded in Fiscal Year 2018.
The Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board provides funding for Drug Court Program needs that are not covered by this grant or other City funding. No Federal funds are received.
Impact:
State grant funds in the amount of $160,000; Local in-kind match of $154,500; All previously appropriated through the City Council Approved Budget for Fiscal Year 2019.
Recommendation:
Rec
Approve the resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, the City, through the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board, applied for and has been awarded grant funds through the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia for the continued operation of the Hampton Drug Treatment Court Program for the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia; and
WHEREAS, the current award for the period of July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 is in the amount of $160,000, and is matched with $154,500 in previously appropriated local funds as well as in-kind use of City facilities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia accepts the Fiscal Year 2019 Virginia Drug Treatment Court Grant in the amount of $160,000, and any related supplemental funding that may be awarded by the Supreme Court of Virginia in accordance with that grant program.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia authorizes the City Manager or her designee to take any and all necessary actions to implement this grant award.